The Heartwood corrupted lungs

Heph noted the melancholy in Atka's eyes and a frown began to tug at her smile. She shifted her own body forward to brush shoulders, creating more points of contact. "And I you." While a part of her itched to leave she was able to find ample things to do while she lingered in the Heartwood.

Smiling she decided to offer the good news, hoping that at least would reassure Atka of her intentions. "You won't have to hopefully at least for a little while. I've decided to stay and help with the pack's caches until winter. I'll set out once the next season starts." It was a dangerous time for a lone wolf. Packs guarded their territory jealously and the prey was scarce, but the old and the frail were at their weakest and the bright promise of snow-covered lands was too tempting.